#Leeds400

What's Your 400?
27th March 2026
2 mins read

Leeds launches unique city-wide challenge to celebrate 400 years of history

Leeds has launched a unique city-wide challenge inviting residents to help celebrate 400 years of the city’s history. The new campaign, called What’s Your 400?, is encouraging people across Leeds to take part in anniversary celebrations marking four centuries since the city was granted its first charter in 1626. Individuals, groups and communities are…
Alex Pearson, archives assistant with West Yorkshire Archive Service with the copy of the Leeds Charter
20th February 2026
3 mins read

Leeds’ historic Royal Charter saved from becoming a lampshade

One of the most important documents in Leeds’ history was rescued from an unlikely fate as a makeshift lampshade, city archivists have revealed, as preparations continue for a major exhibition celebrating 400 years since the city was granted its royal charter. The one-of-a-kind copy of the Leeds Royal Charter, delicately inscribed centuries ago —…